(SitNews) – Unified Grocers, the largest wholesale grocery distributor in the western United States, today announced that Williams Incorporated, which operates four retail grocery stores under the Alaskan & Proud banner in southeastern Alaska, has become a member of Unified Grocers and will begin receiving groceries and other supplies from Unified on August 1, 2011. Alaskan & Proud had previously been supplied by Supervalu for more than twenty years.

Alaskan & Proud operates two full-service, conventional supermarkets in Ketchikan and Juneau, AK; a community grocery store in Thorne Bay, AK and a convenience store, also in Ketchikan. The four stores range in size from 7,000 sq. ft. to 43,000 sq. ft. and employ approximately 220 associates in the communities in which they operate.

Ben Williams, President, Williams Incorporated, said, "Unified's ability to offer our stores a broad range of products and services to meet our local shoppers' needs will enable us to better compete in our unique marketplace. I believe our customers will see a noticeable difference in their overall shopping experience as a result of our relationship with Unified."

Al Plamann, chief executive officer, Unified Grocers, said, "We are pleased to welcome Alaskan & Proud to the Unified family of independent retail grocers. The Alaskan & Proud organization is highly regarded, not only by their customers but throughout our industry. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help support the success of their business for many years to come."

To help facilitate a smooth transition to Unified Grocers and ensure the long-term success of Alaska & Proud, Unified is working closely with the Alaskan & Proud team to provide a wide array of retail services and merchandising support across all product categories and throughout their stores.